Scottish govt concerned about potato seed imports

The Scottish Government has called on Defra to put measures in place to prevent UK producers from importing European-grown seed potatoes in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Speaking on a farm on the outskirts of Dundee, Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon pointed out that Defra’s current arrangements meant Scotland would become a third country and therefore unable to export seed potatoes to the EU, yet the ware potato and processing industry could continue to import European seed potatoes for a year following exit day .

Ms Gudgeon said that by allowing this one-way trading relationship, Scotland’s world-renowned seed potato industry risked losing its 13.5% EU market share and there would be little incentive to fill the internal UK market demand through the sourcing of Scottish seed potatoes.

She added: “We have the capacity to fill the domestic market, but it would involve growing different varieties and engaging with industry across the UK, so we are calling for the UK Government to support that in the event of a no-deal situation.”